Ethiopia Launches 2026–2030 AMR Plan, Calls for One Health Action to Save Lives

Developed through a comprehensive, multi-stage process, the new National Action Plan (NAP) 4.0 incorporates lessons from an end-term evaluation of the previous plan.

Ethiopia commemorated World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025 with a high-level national event at the Africa CDC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, where the Government officially launched the Fourth National Action Plan for the Prevention and Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2026–2030. Held under the global theme “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” the event underscored the urgency of combating AMR before it undermines decades of progress in human, animal, and environmental health.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Authority joined representatives from WHO, FAO, Africa CDC, UKHSA, and other global partners—reflecting Ethiopia’s commitment to a full One Health approach.

---

AMR: A Growing Global Threat With Unequal Impact

In her keynote address, HE Dr Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, stressed that AMR is one of the world’s most severe health challenges, causing:

• 1.27 million deaths directly each year

• Nearly 5 million deaths associated with drug-resistant infections

She warned that without major action, AMR-related mortality could rise by 70% by 2050, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the heaviest burden due to limited diagnostics, weaker regulatory systems, and high infectious disease prevalence.

---

Ethiopia’s Progress Under Previous AMR Plan

Dr Mekdes highlighted significant achievements from the current National Action Plan, including:

• 59% increase in AMR awareness among healthcare workers

• Establishment of 26 AMR sentinel surveillance sites

• Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in 328 health facilities

• Strengthened infection prevention and control (IPC) nationwide

However, critical gaps persist:

• Limited diagnostic and laboratory capacity

• Shortage of skilled AMR lab professionals

• Insufficient regulatory enforcement on antimicrobial use in humans and animals

---

NAP 4.0: Evidence-Based, Fully Costed, and One Health Driven

Developed through a comprehensive, multi-stage process, the new National Action Plan (NAP) 4.0 incorporates lessons from an end-term evaluation of the previous plan.

Key elements of the development process included:

1. Assessment and Lessons Learned

Gaps, successes, and remaining challenges were identified across human health, veterinary services, agriculture, food systems, and the environment.

2. Alignment With Global Frameworks

Interventions were aligned with the Global Action Plan on AMR, WHO guidance, and successful models from other countries.

3. SMART Choice Prioritization Tool

This tool helped Ethiopia select the most strategic, feasible, and high-impact interventions across all sectors.

4. WHO Costing and Budgeting Tool

This ensured NAP 4.0 is both fully costed and realistic, providing a clear roadmap for investment and implementation.

NAP 4.0 strengthens:

• National AMR surveillance systems

• Antimicrobial stewardship across healthcare facilities

• Laboratory networks and diagnostic capacity

• Infection prevention and control (IPC) standards

• Public and community awareness

• One Health coordination across ministries and agencies

---

Partners Reaffirm Commitment to Ethiopia’s AMR Response

Representatives from WHO and other partners commended Ethiopia’s leadership and pledged continued support.

WHO highlighted its commitment to:

• Strengthening AMR governance

• Enhancing national surveillance

• Improving laboratory systems and diagnostics

• Building workforce capacity

• Supporting risk communication and community engagement

---

Multisectoral Dialogue Points the Way Forward

The event ended with a panel discussion featuring government leaders, experts, and partners. They emphasized:

• Sector-specific responsibilities

• Opportunities for cross-sector coordination

• The importance of sustained financing and political commitment

• The urgency of protecting life-saving medicines for future generations

Participants reaffirmed their shared dedication to reducing AMR’s burden across Ethiopia.

---

A Milestone for Ethiopia’s Health Security

The launch of NAP 4.0 marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s fight against AMR—ushering in a new era of coordinated, evidence-based, and One Health–driven action that will safeguard public health, food security, and environmental well-being.

WHO reiterated its support for Ethiopia as the country works to “Act Now” to secure a safer, healthier future for all.